Need Some Advice & Convincing

I have a bit of a dilemma and really need some direction and advice from some people who know the Toyota and Nissan.

Here is the situation. I really like the 2009 Toyota Tacoma 4x2 Access Cab Auto (4Cyl) w/ SR5 package. The dealer has provided a very good OTD price of 22,500. -25.00 under invoice.

The problem I'm having is;
Nissan is offering a 09 frontier in basically the same configuration at $1725.00 (20775.00) less, or 2K below invoice then the 2009 Tacoma. To make things even more complicated Nissan is also offering the same truck in a 08' model, 17929.00 OTD. That is a -4571.00 difference from the 2009 Tacoma. Apparently Nissan is offering some type of bonus this month to the dealer.

Since I don't know either truck very well, in your opinions, is it really worth the extra $1725 to pay for the 2009 Tacoma or $4571.00 for the '08 frontier? I wish I knew these truck inside out, but I don't and sure could use some experienced opinions.

I've had to test both as well my cousin is a bigwig at Nissan (trying to change to something else) and he would have been able to get me a very solid deal on the Nissan.

I looked at both for about 2 to 3 weeks, changed the model I wanted about 3 times (started off with a manual access, wound up with automatic doublecab). I had to rule out the Nissan access cab because the legroom was too small for even someone 5'4", the Nissan engine looked more complicated (a.k.a. too much extra stuff going on), and the Tacoma I never really had to question. The Tacoma is also better rated for truck-like abilities in terms of towing and offroad use, which I was interested in. Furthermore, I've had good history with Toyota - Dad's 460k -something mile Camry is still driving 100 miles a day, and my friends' beat-to-absolutely-hell, neglected 81 pickup is still starting up and driving around town.

The main determination is being able to live with the decision. The price issue becomes not as big a deal as you have to start living with what you bought.

The main determination is being able to live with the decision. The price issue becomes not as big a deal as you have to start living with what you bought.

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Thank you for the well thought out explanation based on your experience.

I know both Toyota and Nissan's reputation are A+, that's what makes this decisions for me even more complicated on the quality standpoint. Since they both have a good reputation I am now trying to find physical differences that would make a convincing choice to choose the Tacoma over the Frontier and justify paying + $1760 - + $4600.00 on the Tacoma.

Nissan really had to muck things up with all the discounting

I'm even wondering if I should bring up this situation with the Toyota dealership and see what more they can do on their end

go drive both trucks, and then look at them completely....inside and out. then, ultimately, you can make your decision. both make sweet trucks, but the tacoma wins, hands down, and their reliability is awesome to boot!!

Furthermore, I've had good history with Toyota - Dad's 460k -something mile Camry is still driving 100 miles a day, and my friends' beat-to-absolutely-hell, neglected 81 pickup is still starting up and driving around town.

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Ok although I would have recommended the '08 Nissan to Zzyzx just because the price was way better, I can corroborate your claim on Toyota's reliabilty. My family had a 1984 toyo corolla (which we enventually gave to charity in 2004) - although the odometer stopped at 410k, we estimated that it had about 460k mi on it. What was impressive is that the only major parts that was replaced on the car was the carburetor and the radiator. My step-dad currently owns a '96 camry with 280k mi on it. Only major parts needed fixing was the brakes because one day he was exiting the driveway, and the braking system broke - lucky he wasn't on the highway - lolz!

IMHO... I used to be a firm believer in Nissan, but I really feel their qualtiy has stepped down a few notches from their solid years.
We had a 2003 Maxima SE that really showed its age/wear as good as a Hyundai. My sister has a 04 Sentra... and the same thing, its been nothing but problems. Thats why I went Toyota

go drive both trucks, and then look at them completely....inside and out. then, ultimately, you can make your decision. both make sweet trucks, but the tacoma wins, hands down, and their reliability is awesome to boot!!

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I will stand with tacomaman06 on this one. I drove plenty of trucks, famlies and friends. There was something about the tacoma that just hit the sweet spot sort of speaking.
I have owned toyota's (truck's and a 4runner) since 1986, I have been MORE than happy with everyone of them.

first off your asking this question in a toyota forum wich u are no way in hell going to get any unbiased opinions from. i own a nissan pathfinder and a tacoma. both awsome trucks both have pos. and neg. botom line is what your plans are for it. if u want to heavily mod it i.e. big lift and stuff, then get a taco. their is more available on the after market for toyota. that is a big reason i got mine. but if u are keeping it relativly stock and just want a nice truck and money is imortant to u to save, then go with the nissan. u need to drive both like eirlier mentioned and decide yorself. u wont get an honest evaluation here from most people. good luck!

IMHO... I used to be a firm believer in Nissan, but I really feel their qualtiy has stepped down a few notches from their solid years.
We had a 2003 Maxima SE that really showed its age/wear as good as a Hyundai. My sister has a 04 Sentra... and the same thing, its been nothing but problems. Thats why I went Toyota

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I've said it over and over about going from my '05 Altima 3.5SE to the Tacoma but I couldn't agree more. I, too, feel their quality has slipped greatly.